Short answer
Yes, you can freeze clotted cream, but expect it to change. Freezing tends to leave it slightly grainy, drier or a little separated after thawing, so it is usually best used in cooking and baking or stirred into warm dishes rather than served on a scone. Some makers actively recommend eating it fresh and discourage freezing, so if you can use it in time, do that first.
What happens to clotted cream in the freezer
Clotted cream is very high in fat. When it freezes and thaws, the fat and liquid can partly separate. Reported changes include a grainy or crumbly texture, a drier crust, and ice crystals if air gets in. The flavor is generally less affected than the texture. Freezing is therefore a way to avoid waste, not a way to preserve peak quality.
How to freeze clotted cream
- Start with fresh cream. Freeze it before the use-by date, and as soon as you know you will not finish it. Freezing cream that is already drying out or sour will not improve it.
- Check the packaging. An unopened pot can often be frozen in its original packaging. For opened cream, move it to a freezer-safe container.
- Portion it. Small amounts, in small airtight containers or silicone ice cube trays, mean you only thaw what you need.
- Leave a little room. Cream expands slightly as it freezes, so do not fill containers to the brim. If using a glass jar, choose a freezer-safe one and leave extra space at the top.
- Seal tightly. Remove as much air as possible to limit freezer burn. Wrapping the surface in plastic wrap before sealing can help.
- Label with the date and freeze in the coldest part of the freezer.
How long it keeps
Sources disagree. Some suggest about two months for best texture, and others say up to six months. A freezer held at 0°F (-18°C) keeps food safe indefinitely, but quality declines over time, and for a delicate high-fat product it is reasonable to aim for the shorter end. Follow any guidance printed on the packaging.
Thawing and fixing the texture
- Thaw slowly in the refrigerator, often overnight or longer for a larger pot. Do not thaw at room temperature.
- Stir gently once thawed. A small splash of fresh cream or milk can help smooth it out.
- Use thawed cream within a few days and keep it refrigerated.
- Do not refreeze it.
- Check before using: a sour smell, mold, discoloration or slimy texture means it should be discarded.
Best ways to use thawed clotted cream
Warming or cooking helps mask changes in texture. Ideas include:
- Stirring into hot soups, curries or sauces for richness.
- Adding to mashed potatoes, risotto or scrambled eggs.
- Melting into coffee or hot chocolate.
- Baking into scones, shortbread or cakes, or using in place of some of the butter or cream in a recipe.
- Serving warm over fruit crumbles and puddings.
If the texture came out well, it can still be spread on scones, but do not count on it.
How long clotted cream lasts in the fridge
Unopened clotted cream usually lasts until the use-by date on the pot if kept chilled. Once opened, makers commonly advise eating it within a few days; homemade versions are often kept for about a week at most. Always follow the label, and use your senses to check for spoilage.
Can it sit out of the fridge?
Clotted cream is a perishable dairy product. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than a short time. One producer advises that it lasts only an hour or two out of the fridge, and the standard food-safety rule is to discard perishable food left out for more than two hours. Serve it from a cold bowl and return the rest to the fridge promptly.
Too much clotted cream: other options
If you have more than you can use, consider sharing it, baking with it, or freezing it in portions as above. Making a batch of scones and freezing those alongside a small pot of cream is another option. If you make clotted cream at home, remember the leftover liquid left behind after skimming can be used like buttermilk or milk in pancakes and baking.
What is clotted cream for?
Clotted cream is a thick, rich cream from southwest England, traditionally served with scones and jam in a cream tea; our beginner’s guide to making jam covers the jam half of the pairing. It is also used in desserts, with fruit and in baking.
FAQ
Can I freeze clotted cream in a jar? Yes, if the jar is freezer-safe and has room for expansion. A plastic tub or silicone container is a safer choice.
Can I put frozen clotted cream straight on hot scones? It is better to thaw it first in the fridge.
Can I freeze clotted cream twice? No. Refreezing makes the texture and quality worse and adds food-safety risk.
Why is my thawed clotted cream grainy? Fat and liquid separate during freezing. Stirring in a little fresh cream, or using it in cooked dishes, can help.